The Great Gatsby: A three level reading

introduction

F. Scott Fitzgerald

• His use of language

• Your interpretation

• A view of human nature

Levels of Reading

• Literal: What are the author’s words?

• Inferential: What is the meaning behind those words?

• Applied: How might this apply to me or to people in general?

“In my younger and more vulnerable years . . .”(Fitzgerald’s words)

• A father’s advice

• A son’s reserve to pass judgment

• Unsought confidences

“In my younger and more vulnerable years . .”(interpretive)

• The narrator was close with his father.• People confided in the narrator because they felt

safe from judgment.• Few of the confidences were totally revealing.• The narrator feels just a bit superior about his

sensitivity towards others.

“In my younger and more vulnerable years . . “(applied)

• We are influenced by our parents more than we care to admit.

• People feel a great need to reveal their inner secrets (no matter how lame) to those they trust.

• Reserving judgment allows us to see others more clearly.

• There are “haves” and “have nots” in a variety of ways in this world.

“My family have been prominent, well-to-do people . . “ p. 2

(interpretive?)

• The Carraways have enhanced their family history.

“My family have been prominent, well-to-do people . . “(applied)

• Families have been enhancing their bloodlines and pedigree (for the sake of status) throughout history.

“Her husband, among various physical accomplishments . .”p.6

(inferences)

• He was never able to recreate the glory of his college years.

• Even with all his money, Tom couldn’t find fulfillment.

• Tom is a very selfish person who hasn’t grown up.

“Her husband, among various physical accomplishments . .”(applied)

• You can’t relive the past.

• Concentrate on yesterday and you’ll lose today.

• Selfish pursuits seldom deliver fulfillment.

“She laughed again, as if she said something very witty . .” p. 9

(inferences)

• Daisy made people feel they were special.

• Daisy was vivacious, full of life.

• There was an aura of excitement, yet mystery and even sadness about Daisy.

“She laughed again, as if she said something very witty . . “(applied)

• Go out of your way to pay special attention to someone and they’ll never forget you.

• Some people are exciting to be with even when little is actually happening.

The importance of visualizing:

• “ We walked through a high hallway into a brightly colored space . .“ p. 8

In summation:

• Read and appreciate F. Scott Fitzgerald’s use of language.

• Think on different levels (interact).

• Visualize (interact).

• Don’t just read, but experience good literature!